Hi Andrew, i do think i am heading that way. Apart from forums, a bit of surfing etc, my main use will be for photography. From what i've seen a MAC is far more versatile and easier for this pupose, with many features included in it's operating system.

I think now there is just as much software available, and files are now transfered easily between systems. There appears to be much less internet/virus problems with a MAC as well

Well, I have to say that all the graphic designers I know use Mac's and swear by them. They do handle graphics a lot better and if it's photos you'll be using it for mainly, then that's probably your answer. I've never used a Mac though, so I can't really say what I think of them. The type of work I do needs a PC.

whitevanman why don't you wipe the drive in your current computer (I would 100% do that anyway if I was getting rid of it), and install ubuntu or another linux system. It is a doddle to install and use and it is free as is all the associated software. I have been using it for the last 3 years and it is much faster than a windows system. After a few days you won't notice any of the differences. If you are getting rid anyway try it and I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. It really is so simple and brings an old computer back to ;ife because it does not use as many resources as a windows system. Go to ubuntu.com and have a look.